Sustainable Farming Incentive closure will devastate farming incomes, CLA poll shows

A poll of CLA members has found almost 95% of respondents were looking to apply for more Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options before it was suddenly closed.

The sudden closure of the scheme last month sent shockwaves through rural communities, with a CLA survey now revealing the widespread impact and damage it will have on farming incomes.

Of the 312 respondents:

• Nearly 95% intended to apply for more options in the expanded offer
• 54% are currently in an SFI agreement
• 40% are not but intended to apply for options in the expanded offer

Only 4.5% of those who answered the survey were content that they had achieved all they wanted from the SFI scheme.

Many businesses who took part in the survey were taking advice to prepare their SFI application, and had already invested in professional advisers, before it suddenly closed. Others have agreements ending this year, and will not be able to apply for another scheme until next year.

Victoria Vyvyan, President of the Country Land and Business Association, said:

“No farmer can plan for an environmentally sustainable farming future when rules change overnight.

“Without the management contracts which were promised, many face a cash crisis. Work to restore soil, protect nature and cut emissions costs money, and so in the absence of funding there is a danger that important projects will be shelved.

The CLA is sharing the results of its survey with government ministers and advisers to demonstrate the real-life impact this closure is having on rural businesses, and the strength of feeling about the decision. We will also continue to engage with ministers and MPs to try and mitigate the impact of these changes, as well as shape future schemes.

If you have been affected by the closure of the SFI scheme, we would like to hear your experiences. Please email mike.sims@cla.org.uk.